It was a dream come true for Neha Bisht. A Class-VIII student of a government school at Defence Colony in South Delhi, Neha could hardly contain her excitement when former President Dr APJ Abdul Kalam shook hands with her and asked her about her mission in life.

The Missile Man of India visited Sister Nivedita Sarvodaya Kanya Vidyalaya at Defence Colony on Tuesday, interacted with students of 18 government-run schools in South Delhi and shared his vision of India in 2020.

Kalam, who addressed the students as ‘friends’, said, “(The) ignited mind of the youth is the most powerful resource on the earth, above the earth and under the earth.” The children of India should be active partners in contributing to areas of their interest, he added. The students quizzed him on his most memorable day at the Rashtrapati Bhavan, his student days and about the future of India.